Rainier Valley Inn the Peaceful Place on the Mountains

There is a place in Washington State that is just like paradise, indeed this is also the name of a location close to the top of Mt.Rainier.  Here we are in Ashford, just below the beautiful volcano mountain, at the "Rainier Valley Inn" where you can rent a typic cozy cabin for one or multiple days. Of course they have also regular rooms, but we loved this simple authentic cabin which remembered us one of those books of Jack London in the great North West of America.

In the previous article of July 2017 we introduced a unique world class climber who has collected relevant record about Mt. Everest and other peaks. This time we continue to explore the surroundings of this amazing area of this state. We have done hiking all around but every night we came back here at our cabin, so called "Rustic Homestead".

They have also a true Mountain restaurant "The Overland" which serves a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have been eating there every single day of our press trip week, because everything was genuine. It was conveniently located in front of our rustic cabin.

Inside our cabin there where also some Himalayan prayer flags, and even if we are not in Nepal, there are several people here in Ashford, WA, who are related to that world's region. A prayer flag is a colorful rectangular cloth, often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes.

We have taken some pictures about dishes served in the "Rainier Valley Inn" restaurant. One of the most impressive is the "Sasquatch Burger, a super big size patty worthy of "Bigfoot" (the legendary hairy upright-walking, ape-like being who reportedly dwells in the wilderness and leaves behind large footprints)

They serve various rich dishes, that are just perfect to nourish you for the long hiking of the numerous mountain paths.

Among these a special mention are their wonderful cakes always served warm and with a big ice cream ball.

As warm is the familiar table service offered by mother and daughter, who really make you feel at home. If you like they will recommend the special of the day and they will really do good talks.

You will find real people here, having time to talk and knowing more about the excursions you intend to do along you day in the mountains.

Concluding this short highlight, this place is an amazing base for those who really like hiking in some of the most beautiful mountains and parks of the United States of America. indeed it's only less then five minutes from the entrance of the Mt. Rainier National Park.

31811 S.R. 706 East, Ashford, WA 98304

360-569-0851   rvrestaurantandinn@gmail.com

Highlight by Luca Centoni

Pictures by L.Centoni and M.Caroti

Video by Luca Centoni

Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa World Fastest Climber of Mt.Everest

This time it's really a very different and special article with a video interview, because this guy, Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, is the world's record holder for "Fastest Ascent of Mount Everest", indeed he made it in only 10 hours 56 minutes and 46 seconds, on May 26 2003. Lhakpa Gelu climbed it for other fifteen times, including other famous high peaks in the whole planet. Yes he is a professional climber but he runs also a restaurant at the foot of Mt. Rainier in Washington State, USA.  The "Wild Berry" is an Himalayan restaurant located in the small village of Ashford,WA and it has an amazing and authentic menu.

He and his wife Fulamu, and their family recreated a pure Himalayan atmosphere and ambiance in this quiet and beautiful corner of the north west of USA. Every single dish and even the Lassi drink are made freshly in the morning. It's also very popular among the regular tourists and of course, the climbers. In the winter time they close it to run the other restaurant that they own in KhariKhola, Nepal.

Sherpa housewives ensure that their husbands are well fed and nourished before they leave for their strenuous work at the mountains. Indeed the staple foods of Himalayan Sherpas are loaded with healthy nutrients that provide satiety for their long day. Therefore also the Mt. Rainier climbers find in this place the perfect meal for their  excursions and hikers too. Let's have a close look to the "Himalayan Special" menu offered here at the "Wild Berry". Of course they offer also the regular American classics but we wanted absolutely try the authentic food of Nepal.

The dish you see above is called "Thali" and it takes its name from a whole meal in one traditional Nepali plate which is served with a choice of curry, jasmine rice, Nepali bread, mixed pickle, mixed veggies and a bowl of lentils soup. 

The "Momo" is another delicious dish which consists of two different versions (vegetarian or with pork) steamed dumplings filled with minced carrots, cabbage, tofu, green peas, onions, garlic and Himalayan spices. Meanwhile the other version is with pork, garlic, ginger, cilantro, onion and Himalayan spices. Both versions have the stuffing wrapped in a rolled dough using a special technique.

The mango "Lassi" is the delicious drink paired with this kind of food. But it's amazing also as simple drink. It's a traditional yogurt and mango based beverage. They also have Himalayan tea, regular sodas and shakes. A particular mention of their "Blueberry Pie" served with vanilla ice cream which

is also very special and a must to try.

A little shop for hikers and tourists to protect them from the cold completes the restaurant offer including the memorabilia hanged on the wall illustrating "Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa" records.

Journalist Luca Centoni with Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa

I interviewed Lhakpa Gelu and in video he explains us what exactly are his activities at this time, including his past achievements.

In Summer Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa takes people to climb the Mt. Rainier and it's something you shouldn't really miss! It takes some few days and everybody can do it.

37718 WA-706,Ashford, WA 98304,USA

PHONE NUMBER

360-569-2277

article, pictures and interview by Luca Centoni

Summer at Disney's Blizzard Beach

Summer is just started at "Disney's Blizzard Beach" located among the other parks of Mickey Mouse in Orlando, Florida. It's fun for all the family indeed this water park, which standards maintained steady along the years. is the third most visited in the world. The major attractions are hosted atop the Mt. Gushmore and artificial mountain with an elevation of 90 feet.

You can discover frosty fun this one-time ski resort that has melted into a watery wonderland. Zip down the slushy slopes the mountain or float down the tranquil river and sunbathe on the white sand beach.

 

highlights by Luca Centoni

pics by Michela Caroti